On December 24, 2025, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) made a decisive move in Ajman, announcing the cancellation of the license for the "Oud Al Reem Domestic Labor Services Agency." The decision, reported by multiple outlets including the official ministry channels and local news sources, followed the identification of serious violations of the country's domestic labor laws and related executive regulations. This action underscores the UAE's ongoing efforts to regulate and elevate the standards of its domestic labor market, a sector that has long been under intense scrutiny both regionally and internationally.
According to a statement released by the ministry and reported by journalist Abdelkhaleq Kamel, the violations were uncovered through a combination of governance reports and field inspections. These findings were not isolated; rather, they were part of a broader pattern of complaints and infractions that had been building over the course of the year. The ministry's inspection and legal teams had been working in close collaboration with other concerned authorities, both locally and nationally, to monitor compliance and swiftly address any breaches.
The cancellation of the Oud Al Reem agency's license was not a knee-jerk reaction. The ministry explained that the move was based on a comprehensive inspection system, ongoing regulatory oversight, and a robust complaints mechanism that encourages stakeholders to report negative practices. "We do not tolerate legal violations by any agency," the ministry emphasized, highlighting its commitment to upholding the rights of all parties involved in the domestic labor sector and to organizing the market in a way that ensures competitiveness and leadership.
In addition to revoking the agency's license, the ministry took several further steps. Local authorities were formally notified of the decision, and the agency's owners were instructed to regularize the status of their domestic workers in accordance with ministry regulations. This included the collection of fines resulting from the violations. The ministry made it clear that it would not hesitate to enforce legal measures against any agency found to be in breach of the law.
The ministry also issued a public advisory, urging clients and employers to deal exclusively with licensed agencies listed on the official MOHRE website. The warning was explicit: engaging with unlicensed agencies could expose employers to legal accountability and to the health and security risks often associated with unregulated labor. The ministry's call to action included a hotline—600590000—for reporting any negative practices, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to the ministry, the domestic labor market in the UAE operates under some of the highest standards of governance and human rights. The vast majority of recruitment agencies, it said, comply with the relevant laws and actively contribute to the sustainability and positive reputation of the sector. Yet, the numbers tell a story of persistent challenges. In the first half of 2025 alone, inspection efforts resulted in the registration of 107 violations across 37 agencies. This data, as reported by the ministry, reflects both the scale of the market and the government's determination to bring it into line with international best practices.
As reported by local news outlets, the ministry's efforts to develop and organize the sector are ongoing. The recent launch of the "Return of Expatriate Workers" package in Ajman, for example, was timed to coincide with the reopening of land borders and airports in the UAE. This initiative, rolled out in partnership with private sector entities, is designed to facilitate the safe and orderly return of workers, while also ensuring that their rights are protected and that employers remain compliant with the law.
Part of the ministry's strategy involves the deployment of advanced electronic services. These tools allow for the documentation of violations, streamline the process of reporting complaints, and foster closer cooperation and communication between all parties. The ministry emphasized that these technological upgrades are central to its mission of enhancing oversight and protecting the interests of both workers and employers.
Legal actions have not been limited to warnings and fines. The ministry confirmed that it has taken concrete steps to activate its inspection, legal, and monitoring systems across the board. This includes not only responding to complaints but also proactively seeking out violations through field inspections and governance audits. The goal, according to the ministry, is to create a labor market that is both competitive and humane, in line with the UAE's broader vision for economic and social development.
The cancellation of the Oud Al Reem agency's license is emblematic of a wider crackdown on non-compliance in the domestic labor sector. The ministry's message to employers is clear: only deal with licensed agencies to avoid legal and practical complications. For agencies, the warning is equally stark—any deviation from the law will be met with swift and decisive action.
The ministry's approach has been lauded by some observers as a necessary step toward cleaning up a sector that has historically been vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Others, however, have cautioned that enforcement alone is not enough; they argue that ongoing education, support for workers, and greater transparency are also needed to ensure lasting change. Still, the numbers—107 violations across 37 agencies in just six months—suggest that the ministry's vigilance is beginning to have a tangible impact.
The broader context cannot be ignored. The UAE has long been a magnet for expatriate workers, many of whom are employed in domestic roles. The government has faced international pressure to improve conditions and enforce stricter regulations, particularly in light of high-profile cases of abuse. The current wave of enforcement, coupled with new initiatives like the "Return of Expatriate Workers" package, signals a renewed commitment to addressing these concerns head-on.
As the ministry continues its efforts, the message to all stakeholders is unambiguous: the days of lax oversight and impunity are over. With advanced monitoring systems, a transparent complaints process, and a willingness to take tough legal action, the UAE is positioning itself as a regional leader in labor market governance. For employers, agencies, and workers alike, the new reality is one of heightened accountability—and, hopefully, improved conditions for all.
